In A Heartbeat

Chapter Seven

"Oh... OH Riley!" Sam's back arched as she climaxed. Her eyes slowly blinked

opened as her body slipped back to the bed. She was sweating and panting for

breath. "What the HELL just happened?" she muttered. She could still feel the

aftershocks rippling through her. Sam looked around her bedroom half expecting

Riley to be there. She shook her head in amazement. She'd had erotic dreams

before but never remembered actually physically climaxing from one. Riley what

are you doing to me?

Sam got up on still slightly shaky legs and headed for the shower. As she stood

with the hot water running down her back her mind drifted back to the dream.

Hardly aware of what she was doing her hands began to mimic Riley's in the

dream as she became lost the memories. She quickly climaxed again. Damn, if

she makes me this crazy and she's not even here I'm a dead woman if we ever

actually make love. Sam groaned just thinking about it. Resting her back against

the shower wall, she stood trying to convince her shaking legs to hold her up.

She quickly finished her shower before she could become distracted again.

Sam glanced at the clock on her bedside table as she slipped on some grungy

clothes. Damn it, how did it get so late? Her mind helpfully provided images of

just why she was running late. She quickly pushed the erotic images

aside. None of that, she told her libido. I need to get this place cleaned up before Riley gets here.

She hurried around as quickly as she could on her injured leg picking up clothes,

dusting tables, etc. The phone ringing interrupted her, her first thought

was, Riley's canceling.

"Hello."

"Hi Sis how's it going? How are your therapy sessions?"

"Hey Jess. Therapy's going good; I should be seeing the department doctor to

clear me for light duty in just a couple more weeks."

"That's great Sam; I know you're anxious to get back to work but no need to

push it before you're ready." Jess counseled. "So how did the date go last

night?"

Sam told Jess all about her date with Riley and what she'd learned about her.

She tried to downplay her reaction to Riley's condo.

Jess had originally liked Riley and encouraged Sam to pursue her. Now after

seeing how badly she'd treated Sam, Jess was suspicious of her motives and

her sisterly protectiveness made an appearance. She'd been concerned when

Sam told her she was going out with Riley but Kim had assured her this was

something Sam needed to work out on her own. Jess listened to the whole story

before commenting.

"You need to be careful of this woman Sam. This is new for her and you don't

want to end up being an experiment."

"Weren't you the one who said 'If she's the one do whatever you have to do, it's

worth it'?"

"Yeah Sam I was but this woman has already hurt you. I'm just saying be

cautious don't jump into anything. Talk to Riley."

"I will Jess. I have to go. She should be here any minute and I still need to

change my clothes."

Just as Sam finished speaking, the doorbell rang. She walked over with the

portable phone and looked out the peephole.

"OH SHIT! She's here. I have to go Jess. I'll call you back later." With that she hung up on her sister.

Sam looked down at her clothes and grimaced. She'd planned on changing

before Riley arrived. She was wearing a ratty old tee shirt with sweats that had

the knees worn out of them and barefoot. Well no help for it now.

Riley was getting a little nervous. Sam hadn't answered the door. She already

had a major case of nerves before she arrived. How should I greet her after

making out with her on my doorstep? Should I kiss her hello? Give her a

hug? Before she could come to any decision, the door opened.

Sam couldn't help staring at the vision before her. Riley was dressed in khaki

walking shorts and a tight deep green top. It hugged her curves and full breasts

providing Sam more of a view of her body than she's had before. She knew just

how soft those breasts really were and fought the urge to sweep Riley into her

arms. She gulped before speaking trying not to drool on Riley.

"Hey come on in. Sorry I'm not ready yet." She looked down at her bare feet

blushing lightly in embarrassment. "I got held up on the phone talking to Jess."

"Hi Sam." Riley greeted. When Sam didn't offer a hug Riley hesitated to initiate

one on her own. "How are Jess and Kim doing?" She asked instead.

"They're great though they're up to something with my brother Frank. I still

haven't figured out what yet but they are definitely up to something."

Riley laughed lightly. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, you're a cop after all."

Sam laughed escorting Riley into the living room. She didn't want to hug Riley

while she was wearing dirty clothes. "Have a seat. I'll be ready as quick as I

can."

Riley took a seat on the over stuffed couch sinking into the comfortable

cushions. She ran her hand over the crushed velvet material. She looked around

the room with interest. The room was warm and inviting with a comfortable lived

in look. There were magazines spread across the coffee table, a pair of cross

trainers in front of the loveseat and Sam's cane propped in the corner between

the loveseat and the couch. She glanced over to the end table between the

couches and noticed several photographs. There was a photograph of Kim and

Jess at what appeared to be a commitment ceremony if Kim's bouquet and

Jess's tux were any indication. Also in the group was a wedding picture of Cheryl

and Frank and an older couple, which Riley assumed were Sam's parents. The

man in the picture had the same dark hair and chiseled features of his children,

the woman had blond hair and striking blue eyes. The final picture was of Jess,

Sam, and Frank together that appeared to have been taken on a camping trip.

She marveled again at just how much the three siblings looked alike. She felt a

small stab of envy at the life Sam must've had growing up with her sister and

brother. Riley couldn't help comparing Sam's apartment to her stark condo.

She'd allowed her aunt to furnish the condo as she'd been too busy at the

hospital or so she'd told herself at the time. It's amazing how comfortable I feel

here.

Riley glanced down the hall when she heard Sam approaching. Sam was

dressed in a dark blue tank top and faded jeans. Riley couldn't help but admire

the broad shoulders and well-muscled biceps displayed by the tank top.

"Ready to go?" Sam asked. She was well aware of Riley's eyes on her body.

Riley didn't speak as she walked over to stand directly in front of Sam. She

reached up and ran her fingers lightly over the faint yellow bruises and thin scar

caused by the bullet on Sam's shoulder. Sam shivered at the touch.

"How is this? Having any problems?" Riley asked softly as she continued to

stroke her shoulder.

Sam had some trouble making her voice work. All the blood from her brain

seemed to have pooled further south as Riley continued to caress her shoulder.

Finally, she managed with a slight stutter. "It's good. No problem."

They stared at each other standing close together but not touching. Sam wasn't

able to resist the invitation she read in Riley's eyes. She leaned down and

kissed her softly then pulled her into a hug.

"Hi, I'm so glad you could make it today." Sam told Riley when the kiss ended.

Riley looked a little confused. "I've wanted to do that since you walked in the

door." Sam told her.

Riley chuckled softly. "Thanks for inviting me."

She put her hand behind Sam's neck and pulled her into another kiss. This one

escalated quickly when Riley swept her tongue into Sam's mouth. Sam

reluctantly pulled away before things could get out of control. She'd never been

with someone she could lose herself in as quickly as she did with Riley. It was

kind of scary and Jess's warning was rattling around in her head. She knew they

needed to talk; she had lots of questions but now was not the time. Riley

groaned in protest when Sam pulled away. She rested her head on Sam's chest

breathing heavily.

"We better get going if we want to get good seats at the game."

They headed for the door but Riley stopped before they could exit. She went

back into the living room and picked up Sam's cane. When she attempted to

hand it to Sam, she protested.

"I don't need it; we'll be mostly sitting down."

Riley offered the cane to Sam again. "I know we'll be sitting down but there's the

walk from here to the parking lot and from the parking lot at the ball field to the

bleachers and back again. I saw you limping earlier, use the cane."

Sam shook her head no, a stubborn look on her face.

"Doctor's orders." Riley insisted.

"You're not my doctor anymore." Sam said smirking as she turned to head out

the door.

Riley scowled. Using the voice she intimidated residents with she demanded,

"Take the cane McKenna."

Sam turned back at the commanding sound of Riley's voice. She raised her

eyebrow in surprise. Uh Oh, I'm in trouble now she's calling me McKenna.

Seeing the look on Riley's face Sam tried to look contrite.

"Yes Ma'am, Dr. Connolly." She responded then unable to resist, grinned and

stuck her tongue out at Riley.

Sam watched with interest as Riley's face took on a calm placid look. She

beckoned Sam closer to her urging her to lean down. Sam was suspicious but

leaned down anyway. Just as their lips were about to meet Riley reached behind

Sam and pinched her sharply on the ass. Sam yelped and jerked back. She

rubbed her butt where Riley had pinched her.

"Behave." She warned.

Sam saw the sparks flare in Riley's eyes and knew this round had gone to the

little doctor. She meekly took the cane from Riley's hand and ushered her out

the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they reached the parking lot, Riley headed toward the main parking area.

"My car's this way." Sam said pointing in the opposite direction.

"I'm driving," Riley informed her. Again Sam saw something flare in Riley's eyes

that made her pause and follow her without protest.

When she was settled in the passenger seat of Riley's Toyota Sequoia, she

couldn't help wondering when she'd lost control of the situation. She always

drove when on a date and had never ridden with any of the women she dated.

She shook her head realizing she may have met her match in the little

redheaded spitfire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam and Riley reached the bleachers as several women warming up spotted

Sam.

"All Right! She's back," shouted one of the women.

Three women came running up to Sam. Sam had purposely avoided seeing any

of her friends. She didn't want to be seen while she was injured. Riley stepped

back out of the way, as the women swarmed around Sam hugging her. She

watched as they all asked questions at once. She felt out of place standing there

not knowing anyone. Sam extricated herself from the women as soon as she

could. She stepped over to Riley and put an arm around her shoulder.

"Hey guys, I want to introduce you to my friend Riley."

Riley stiffened slightly when all eyes turned to her. Sam gave her shoulder a

reassuring squeeze before removing her arm.

"I'd like you to meet, Ann, Karen, and Dianne," Sam said indicating each woman

in turn. "This is Riley." She told the women.

"Hi Riley, nice to meet you." Karen offered in greeting. The other women greeted

Riley as well. All three women were dying of curiosity wondering about Riley.

They knew better than to ask Sam. She never said anything about the women

she dated.

"Are you going to flap your gums all day or are we going to play some ball?"

yelled a voice from the dugout.

"Oh gotta go, Coach bellowed." Karen said with a laugh. "You coming out with us after the game Sam?" she asked.

Sam glanced quickly at Riley. "Umm I don't know."

"Any time, ladies," the coach yelled again. "And welcome back McKenna."

Sam waved at the coach and other players on the team.

"See you after the game Sam. Nice to meet you Riley." Karen said before

turning to run into the dugout.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam scanned the bleachers looking for a good spot. She saw Kellie Matthews

and waved. She'd befriended the rookie after finding her pounding a locker in

frustration one afternoon at the station house. Howard her FTO had spent the

day patronizing her and telling her how women cops could never measure up to

the men. She'd been encouraging the woman ever since telling her she just had

to get through 12 weeks with him then she would be assigned a different partner.

Not everyone in the department had such antiquated attitudes.

Kellie waved back pointing to the seat next to her. Sam headed toward Kellie.

Riley had followed Sam's line of sight when she waved. She felt an immediate

surge of annoyance when she saw who Sam was waving to. It was the irritating

blond she'd met in Sam's hospital room.

Sam had forgotten about them meeting before. She made the introductions.

"Riley this is Kellie. She's a rookie at the station house where I work. Kellie this

is my friend Riley."

Kellie stared at Riley. She looked familiar but she couldn't quite place from

where, then it hit her.

"You're Sam's doctor," She blurted out. Several people sitting near by listened to the exchange with interest. Riley felt her face go hot. Sam quickly spoke up

sensing Riley's embarrassment.

"No, she was the surgeon who saved my life. She's not my doctor." Sam told

Kellie adamantly.

A cheer went up from the crowd as the teams took the field. Sam sat down

leaving a space open between her and Kellie. She gestured for Riley to sit in the

open space. Riley's response was a bright smile. They spend several moments

lost in each other's gaze. The umpire's yell of "Play Ball!" broke the moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the bottom of the seventh inning and Sam's team was winning. Riley had

split her attention between the game and watching Sam. Kellie hadn't said much

during the game. She didn't seem to know many of the players. It was obvious

Sam knew everyone on the team and was familiar with most of the opposing

team as well. She'd been heckling the other team and her own teammates

through out the game. It allowed Riley to see a whole new side of Sam. She had

seen her in the hospital at her most vulnerable. This was a totally different

woman. She was outgoing, brash and boisterous totally at home among all the

women and obviously in her element. Riley should've felt out of place but Sam

had gone out of her way to include her. She'd explained who each of the players

were and a little of their history so she was able to laugh at all the 'in' jokes as

well. Riley felt slightly guilty when she happily noted Sam paid only passing

attention to Kellie and concentrated on the game and her.

Riley had forgotten how much fun a good baseball game could be and this had

turned out to be a good one. The level of play had just been phenomenal. Her

aunt and uncle had been aghast at the idea of attending a ballgame when Riley

had asked as a child. They had even refused to let Riley play in any summer

leagues. They insisted only the lower classes indulged in such pursuits. Riley's

aunt had signed Riley up for ballet lessons. She informed Riley they were a

much more appropriate activity for a young girl. Riley had hated every second of

them and quit as soon as possible. She settled back to enjoy the rest of the

game leaning slightly on Sam. Sam smiled down at Riley before placing an arm

behind her back for her to rest against it. Riley smiled in thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The opposing team was up for last bats. If they couldn't score here, the game

was over. They had two outs already. A new player Sam didn't know came up

and hit a standup triple. She was safe at third. The second batter came up and

took a count of two and two. She swung at the next pitch; it flew inside the third

base line. It bounced before Ann the third baseman could snag it but she got it

after the bounce and fired it to Karen at home plate. The woman from third saw

the throw and tried to slide. Her anger soared when she realized she was going

to be out. Karen leaned down for the tag and the woman raised her feet and

intentionally spiked Karen in the chest. She went down hard. Ann ran over and

tried to take a swing at the player who'd spiked Karen. Her teammates managed

to stop her before she connected.

"You spiked her on purpose you bitch!" Ann screamed.

A melee quickly erupted on the field as the players from both teams began to

pour off the benches.

Sam stood up. "I've got to get down there." She quickly headed for the field

Kellie right behind her. Riley saw that the injured player hadn't gotten up and

followed Sam and Kellie to the field.

Riley approached the woman Sam had identified as the coach. She had the first

aid kit out and was tending to Karen. "I'm a physician, can I help?"

The woman looked up at her. "You're Sam's friend?"

"Yes, I'm Riley."

Coach moved out of the way and motioned Riley to take over with Karen. The

coach took off to try and help Sam break up the angry players.

"How're you doing? Where does it hurt?" She asked Karen as she started to

examine her.

Karen pointed to her chest. "It was a little hard to breathe but it's getting better

now." Karen told her in a hoarse voice.

"She must've caught you in the solar plexus. Did you lose consciousness when

you hit the ground?"

"No. Just couldn't breath there for a couple seconds." Karen assured her.

Riley checked her over. The first aid kit actually contained among other things a

penlight and stethoscope.

"Looks like you just had the wind knocked out of you. You're going to have some

bruising on your chest and will be sore but otherwise you should be fine." Karen

had managed to sit up and was looking better by the second.

"Thanks Doc," Karen said with a smile.

"No problem." Riley assured her.

Riley was still kneeling in the dirt when she felt a presence behind her. She

looked up to see Sam's flushed face and disheveled appearance; she felt a jolt

of fear at the though of Sam being injured.

"Are you okay? Did you hurt your incision? Let me take a look at you." Riley

began to run her hands frantically over Sam. Where with Karen she'd been calm

and professional with Sam she was in a total panic. Sam finally grabbed Riley's

hands trapping them against her chest.

"I'm fine Riley... calm down, I wasn't hurt."

Riley realized how she's overreacted and immediately blushed. Without thinking,

she threw herself at Sam and wrapped her arms tightly around Sam's waist.

Sam's arms instinctively enclosed Riley in a strong embrace. She stoked her

back calming her. Sam glanced over Riley's shoulder at Karen still sitting on the

ground. She was grinning from ear to ear. Sam scowled at her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam and Riley with the encouragement of Karen and Ann decided to join the

rest of the women at the bar that sponsored the team. They all met up at

O'Grady's. They were sitting at a large table drinking beer and discussing the

game. Karen decided to see if she could find out anything about Riley. She'd

been watching her and Sam together and was curious. Sam was always very

attentive to her dates but there was just something different in her reactions to

Riley. She just couldn't quite put her finger on it. Wondering how Sam had met

the beautiful doctor she turned to Riley.

"So you're a doctor huh? What's your specialty?" Karen asked.

"I'm a trauma surgeon."

Kellie who'd been listening piped up loudly. "Yeah, she's the surgeon who saved

Sam's life."

Everyone's attention was suddenly focused on Riley.

Marcy who'd already had quite a bit to drink couldn't resist a dig at Sam's 'friend'.

She'd asked the beautiful cop out several times and had been shot down

repeatedly.

"Oh you gonna take Sam home and take out your fees in trade huh Doc?" She

asked leering at Riley and making an obscene gesture.

"You bitch!" Sam snarled as she bolted out of her chair. In the blink of an eye,

she was around the table and had jerked Marcy out of her chair by the front of

her shirt. Riley was almost as fast. She grabbed Sam's arm trying to get her to

release Marcy.

"Please Sam let her go, it's not worth it." Riley could feel the rage vibrating

through Sam and for an instant she didn't think she was going to listen.

Sam pushed Marcy back into her chair then turned and walked away pulling

Riley with her back to the other side of the table. Two of Marcy's friends quickly

grabbed her and hustled her away from the table.

"Let's get out of here." She told Riley, glowering at the other women around the

table.

Karen rushed over to Sam and Riley. "Wait, please don't go." She placed her

hand on Sam's arm then quickly drew it back when Sam glared at her.

"It's okay Sam really." Riley said stroking Sam's arm trying to calm the obviously furious woman down.

"No it's not okay Riley." Sam replied through gritted teeth. "I'll never stand by and let someone talk to you like that."

Karen realized there was no changing Sam's mind about leaving. "It was really

nice to meet you Riley. I'm really sorry about Marcy. She can be a real bitch

when she drinks. I hope I see you again sometime."

Riley smiled at the woman and said her goodbyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam never said a word all the way out to Riley's truck. Riley could sense the

tension rolling off Sam in waves. Once they were seated in the truck, she

reached over the console and turned Sam's face to her. Sam's jaw was clenched

the anger still evident on her face. Riley stroked Sam's jaw line lightly.

"Thank you." She said simply.

"What are you thanking me for?" Sam asked incredulously. "I owe you an

apology for subjecting you to my so-called friends. I'm sorry." Sam apologized

before turning to stare out the side window again.

Riley lifted up and sat on the console between the seats. "Sam." She called

softly. When Sam turned back to face her, Riley took Sam's face in her hands

and leaned down to gently kiss her lips. As the gentle kiss continued Sam felt all

the anger drain out of her body. Riley finally pulled back slightly her lips only

inches from Sam's.

"Thank you for coming to my defense. No one has ever done that before." She

whispered against Sam's lips before kissing her again.

Riley slid back into her seat and started the engine. She reached over for Sam's

hand and placed it on her thigh rubbing the back gently with her thumb. Sam

smiled and squeezed Riley's leg in response. Her hand rested on Riley's thigh

all the way back to the apartment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Riley pulled the truck into the apartment parking lot. She'd had such a good time

with Sam today even with the incident at the bar she didn't want it to end. She

wondered if she should suggest dinner.

Sam's anger at Riley's treatment at the bar had passed. She'd enjoyed the day

and had planned on dinner at the restaurant next door to the bar. Marcy had

managed to torpedo those plans. Sam felt her jaw tighten at the thought of

Marcy. Let it go Sam; don't ruin the rest of the day.

The two women looked at each other for several moments before Sam finally

broke the silence.

"Could I interest you in a pizza? There's a great place not far from here and they

deliver."

"Great I'd love to." Riley answered immediately then blushed at her eager

response.

Sam surprised Riley when she reached out and cupped her face. "I don't want

the day to be over either." She told Riley then blushed. She never voiced her

feelings like that to dates.

Riley's stomach growled loudly breaking the tender moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pizza ordered Sam offered Riley a tour of her apartment.

"It's not much but its home," she told Riley. "Come on I'll show you around."

They headed for the kitchen first. It was small with white cabinets and standard

apartment style appliances. There was no table but a small counter ran along

one wall with bar stools under it. On the Formica counter sat a coffee maker,

toaster, and portable CD player.

"I really don't cook much." Sam explained. I know how but most nights by the

time I get in from work, I'm just too tired. Plus, I don't like cooking for just me. It

seems like such a waste."

She led Riley down the hall past a full bath. Riley glanced in the door but the

room had an unused look to it. "That only gets used when I have guests." Sam

said. "My bedroom has its own bathroom."

They stopped next at the first bedroom. "I use this as my guest room and

computer room." Sam told Riley. Riley looked around the room at the king size

bed and the small computer desk in the corner; covered in papers and discs.

With the big bed, it was pretty much all that fit in the room. Sam must've seen

the questioning look on her face.

"Jess used to spend a lot of time here on the weekends before she married Kim.

She doesn't fit in a standard bed any better than I do." Sam said with a laugh.

"She helped me pick out furniture and insisted on the king bed for the guest

room. Frank appreciated it when he stayed here too."

Riley remembered Frank from the hospital. She inwardly cringed at what the

man must think of her after the way she'd run out of Sam's room the day she

was discharged. Sam saw Riley's pensive look and wondered what she was

thinking.

Sam headed out of the room for the door across the hall. She opened it stepping

into the room. When Riley stepped in, she grinned at her. "This is my bedroom."

She said wiggling her eyebrows. Riley eyes darted toward the king size bed and

she blushed hard. Sam followed her gaze and gave Riley that little half smirk of

hers. Riley's face felt like it was on fire. She quickly looked down at the carpet.

Sam stepped over to her; she jumped when Sam's hand came up to stroke her

back.

Riley was saved by the bell, literally. The doorbell rang announcing the arrival of

the pizza. Riley sighed in relief as they made their way back to the living room.

When she'd seen Sam's bed her mind had filled with images of the erotic

dreams she'd been having about her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pizza had been good. They'd laughed and talked about the game and some

of the people Riley had met. Riley had asked if all the women on the team were

gay. Sam had laughing told her that wasn't the case. The team was comprised of

local cops, EMTs and firefighters. According to Sam, the ration was about 50/50

gay to straight. Riley was surprised at how easy it was just to be with Sam and

enjoy her company. Though she'd enjoyed the few dates with women she'd been

on, she'd always been nervous never quite knowing what was expected of her.

With Sam, she could just relax and be herself.

Sam's voice pulled Riley out of her thoughts. "Would you like some more wine?"

Sam asked holding up the bottle she'd opened earlier.

"No, I better not; I'm working tomorrow and have the in-house call tomorrow

night. I should really be heading home." Riley said with a disappointed sigh. She

really didn't want to go.

Sam glanced at the clock it was 7:30. "Do you have to go so soon?" She didn't

wait for an answer. They'd been sitting on opposite ends of the couch as they

ate their pizza. She slid over onto the center cushion then leaned over and

started to lightly kiss Riley's neck. Riley sighed laying her head back against the

cushion offering more of her neck to Sam's caressing lips.

Sam's arousal soared when Riley moaned. Her breasts had been tempting Sam

all day; she'd been determined to feel them in her hands again before the day

was out. Sam had one hand on the back of the couch near Riley's head. She

leaned further forward pressing Riley back into the couch; groaning against

Riley's neck when their breasts pressed together. Lifting her head, she took

Riley's lips in a passionate kiss her tongue pushing into her mouth. As Sam

continued to kiss Riley, her free hand slipped down and began to pull Riley's

shirt from her shorts. Riley started when she felt Sam's warm hand on her bare

skin but quickly relaxed into the touch. They finally broke the kiss for lack of air.

Sam had managed to turn her body so she was now facing Riley. Their upper

bodies were pressed together and Sam's hand was between them under Riley's

shirt. Both women were breathing heavily. Riley met Sam's eyes and gasped at

the fire she saw burning in them. Her eyes were silvery blue and full of desire.

Riley couldn't remember ever being so aroused in her life. It had never been like

this with Linda. Wanting to feel more she leaned forward and kissed Sam

pressing for entrance into her mouth. Sam opened her mouth inviting Riley in. As

they continued to kiss passionately, Sam's hand slid higher and finally cupped

Riley's breast through her bra. YES! Sam shouted in her mind as her hand

closed over the soft bra incased globe. She felt the front of the bra and grinned

to herself when she found the bra opened in the front. Sam expertly flipped the

clasp with her fingers popping it open; immediately slipping under the now loose

material and cupping Riley's bare breast. When Riley moaned in response Sam

began to knead her breast before rolling the already hard nipple between her

fingers. Riley was in a sexual haze. The sensations raging though her body

forced her logical mind to retreat and she was content to follow wherever Sam

led. She ran her hands up and down Sam's muscled back drowning in the

sensations caused by Sam's hands on her body. Riley thought she was going to

faint when Sam's hand closed on her bare breast. She already felt the warning

tingle between her legs of an impending orgasm. Riley gasped when Sam's

other hand made its way under her shirt and began to give the other breast the

same treatment. She felt herself being moved and positioned on her back. Riley

knew this was moving way too fast but she couldn't find the willpower to stop it.

It just felt too damn good.

Sam was in heaven. She had both her hands under Riley's shirt kneading her

bare breasts as she kissed her senseless. She managed to move Riley lowering

her onto her back on the couch. Sam slid on top of her and put one hand back

under her shirt. She used her other arm to support her weight so she wouldn't

crush the smaller woman. At the first thrust of her hips against Riley's she felt a

sharp pain shoot down her leg. Determined to ignore it she pressed her good

knee between Riley's legs urging her legs apart. When Riley spread her legs

Sam quickly slid between them. Her hips thrust between Riley's legs and again

pain shot down her leg. It forced her to become aware of just what she was

doing. She'd been so caught up in the moment she'd forgotten all the promises

she'd made herself about not making love with Riley until they'd had a serious

talk. All these thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant and she groaned

sinking against Riley and stopping all movement. Her heart was pounding in her

chest and it matched the pounding between her legs. An irritating little voice that

sounded a whole lot like Jess spoke up. This is not being careful! You don't even

know if she'd been with a woman before. Is this how you want her first time to

be? Sam growled and lifted herself off Riley moving to the other end of the

couch.

Riley wasn't sure what had just happened. Her brain wasn't functioning too well

at the moment. She'd been so close to orgasm when Sam had suddenly

stopped and pulled away. As her awareness returned she glanced down at

herself. She was sprawled out on the couch her shirt was bunched under her

breasts, her bra was undone, and her legs spread wide open. Her face flushed

red; quickly scrambling up to sit in the corner of the couch she reached under

her shirt to fastened her bra. Sam had retreated to the opposite end of the couch

and sat with her head in her hands.

Without looking up Sam spoke. "I can't, I'm sorry I just can't do this..."

Riley felt like she'd been slapped in the face. Sam had used the exact words she

had in the hospital. Had this all been just a way to get back at her for how she'd

acted in the hospital? She couldn't believe Sam would do something so low;

tears began to run down her face. Sam never moved from her spot or even

looked at Riley. Riley got off the couch and headed for the door. It was obvious

she'd misjudged Sam and had gotten what she deserved for how she'd treated

her.

Sam's head jerked up when she realized Riley was leaving. "Wait, Riley where

are you going?"

Riley turned, her face streaked with tears. "I get it Sam, I'm sorry. I guess I

deserved that."

Sam got up and approached Riley reaching out for her. She was shocked when

Riley backed up. "What are you talking about?" Sam asked in confusion.

Riley stared at Sam's face; she honestly looked confused. Now Riley wasn't sure

she hadn't misread the situation. "When you said 'I can't do this' I thought you

were getting back at me... for the hospital."

Sam stared at Riley for several seconds then the light dawned. She had

inadvertently used the same words Riley had when she'd insisted they couldn't

be involved. As Riley had in the cafeteria, Sam reached out and gently stroked

Riley's arm. She was pleased when Riley didn't pull away.

"I just meant I couldn't make love to you. It's too soon. We have lots we need to

talk about before that happens." Sam explained. "I'm sorry I let things get so out of control."

Riley smiled at Sam then chuckled. "Well it wasn't like I was protesting."

Sam held out her hand. "Come sit with me?" Riley hesitated. "Please," Sam added smiling softly.

Riley took the outstretched hand and allowed Sam to lead her to the loveseat.

"Maybe we should avoid the couch for now." Sam teased.

Riley grinned as she sat down next to Sam, happy the awful tension seemed to

have eased. Sam put her arm around Riley and drew her close to her side. She

placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up until their eyes met.

"I really want to make love to you." She told Riley with a solemn expression.

Riley didn't know what came over her. Maybe giddiness that Sam wasn't

dumping her.

"Yeah I think I got that impression when you were lying on top of me with your

hands under my shirt and on my breasts." She laughingly told Sam.

Sam groaned. "Don't remind me. I must be out of my mind." It was true, any

other time a woman as gorgeous as Riley wouldn't have made it off Sam's couch

without Sam having thoroughly enjoyed everything she had to offer.

Riley smiled snuggling a little closer to Sam. "Sorry, go ahead with what you

were saying."

"I like you Riley...a LOT." Sam said almost shyly. "I don't want to rush things. We need to get to know each other before we jump into bed together. I don't want

this to be a fling and I don't want to be an experiment." Riley started to protest

and Sam placed her fingers over her lips. "Let me finish. We need to talk about

things. I do have questions and I'm sure you do too." Sam wasn't sure who'd just

taken over her brain she had never talked like this to any woman she'd ever

dated, but damn it sure felt right with Riley.

Riley was near bursting trying not to interrupt Sam. She jumped in as soon as

Sam finished speaking.

"You're not an experiment. How could you even think that?" She asked in a hurt

voice.

"Have you ever been with a woman Riley?" Sam asked.

Riley blushed before answering, "Yes." At Sam's raised eyebrow she added, "in medical school." Sam started to ask something else but Riley stopped her.

"Wait Sam I need to tell you this. I like you a LOT too. I have been involved with

a woman before and you're definitely not an experiment. You make me feel

things no one ever has before." Riley told her blushing lightly. Sam just grinned

and buffed her nails on her shirt. Riley elbowed her in the ribs. "Don't get cocky."

She warned. "I've had other reasons for insisting on dating men but that's over

with now. I promise some day soon I'll tell you all about it. I'm tired of trying to be

something I'm not and I'm not going to do it anymore. I think you and I would be

wonderful together and I hope you'll give us a chance." She gazed pleadingly

into Sam's eyes. Sam couldn't resist the plea she leaned down kissing Riley

gently on the lips. It wasn't like the frantic kisses they'd shared earlier. It was

soft, gentle and full of promise.

They sat cuddled together on the loveseat neither speaking simply happy to be

together. Riley happened to glance up at the clock it was almost 10.

"Shit." She muttered.

"What's the matter?" Sam asked.

"I should go. I have a 7 am surgery."

Sam's arms tightened reflexively around Riley she didn't want her to go. She

kissed her gently on the lips.

"When can I see you again?" Sam asked.

"Are you coming into the hospital for therapy this week?" Riley questioned in

return.

"Yeah, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday." Sam told her.

"Maybe we could try to meet for lunch. I'm sorry I can't promise, but I never know

what my schedule is going to be like. I cover all the ER trauma surgery cases."

"I'm usually done with my therapy by 12:30 we could meet in the courtyard like

before." Sam suggested.

"I'll be there if I can. Maybe you could page me when you get done with your

therapy and I could let you know if I'm free."

"Sounds like a plan." Sam said hugging Riley close to her.

Neither woman attempted to get up. Finally, Riley sighed and pulled away from

Sam.

"I really should go."

They shared a gentle kiss at the door and again at Riley's truck. Sam had

insisted on walking her out. Sam stood watching until Riley's taillights

disappeared out of the parking lot.